Question:

Wavefront for a point source, near it, is:

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A point source always produces spherical wavefronts because light spreads uniformly in all directions from the source.
Updated On: May 27, 2026
  • Plane
  • Spherical
  • Cylindrical
  • None of the above
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: A wavefront is defined as the locus of all particles of a medium vibrating in the same phase. Depending upon the nature and position of the source, different types of wavefronts are produced:
  • Spherical wavefront
  • Plane wavefront
  • Cylindrical wavefront
A point source emits light uniformly in all directions. Therefore, the wavefront produced around it is spherical in shape.

Step 1:
Understand the nature of a point source.
A point source is a very small source of light that emits light equally in all directions. As the light propagates outward from the source, every point at equal distance from the source forms a surface. That surface is spherical in shape.

Step 2:
Identify the shape of the wavefront near the source.
Near the point source, curvature of the wavefront is clearly visible. Thus, the wavefront remains spherical. \[ \boxed{\text{Wavefront is spherical}} \]

Step 3:
Why other options are incorrect.
  • Plane Wavefront: Produced when the source is very far away.
  • Cylindrical Wavefront: Produced by a linear source.
  • None of the above: Incorrect because spherical wavefront is correct.
Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Spherical}} \]
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